Want to eat a lobster dinner in your Lululemon? Here you can! Well, maybe not literally, but what we mean is that in MB, locals enjoy a laid-back lifestyle on one of the nicest beaches in SoCal without compromising on the finer things in life.

With outdoor activity options as expansive as the ocean views – think beach volleyball, bike rides on The Strand, and sunset strolls on the pier – there is no shortage of ways to enjoy all the natural beauty around you while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As promised, after you’ve enjoyed another perfect weather day, you can get dressed up to explore the parade of specialty shops and upscale restaurants that this beautiful oceanside city has to offer. The only thing that might be lacking is your favorite ethnic eatery in downtown LA, but even that is just 20 miles away. 

Rated an [A+ on Niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/manhattan-beach-unified-school-district-ca/) in the “Public Schools,” “Good for Families,” “Outdoor Activities,” “Nightlife,” “Weather,” and “Health & Fitness” categories, it’s hard to beat everything but the price tag.

Yes, this area has some of the best of the best, and the price tag shows it. Far from the sleepy surf town it was in the 1980s, the median home price here is now just shy of $3 million, with costs increasing steeply as you get closer to those oceanside views. Not looking to buy? There are options, but not a ton. According to Zillow, the median rental cost for a 2-bedroom apartment is $5,500. 

Why is it pricier than already-pricey neighboring beach towns? Let’s just name a few: 1) ample outdoor activities highlighted by a pristine beach and stunning pier; 2) a top-notch school system that bolsters the safe community vibe (more on this later), and 3) no shortage of boutique shops, fine dining and nightlife options for those looking for more fun after playing all day in the sun. 

If Manhattan Beach sounds like where you want to be, but the cost is a bit over budget, check out nearby [Redondo](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/redondo-beach) and [Hermosa](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/hermosa-beach) beaches, just a couple miles south. Although unique in their own right, these areas offer much of what Manhattan boasts, at a slightly more reasonable cost.


Laid Back Meets Lavish

LookyLOO Review of Manhattan Beach?

With sand between your toes and high-end living at your fingertips, MB residents enjoy a well-rounded lifestyle. Need a kid-friendly activity? Ride your bikes along the ocean to the aquarium by the pier – it's free! Want to unwind? Pack a snack and plop yourself down at El Porto Beach to watch the surfers take advantage of some of the best waves in the South Bay. 

Looking to treat yourself? Indulge your taste buds at the popular Fishing with Dynamite before grabbing a cone at [Manhattan Beach Creamery](https://mbcreamery.com/ice-cream). Or, maybe it’s some movement that you’re craving. Join a game of volleyball, take a stroll in one of the city’s many parks, stop by a workout class at one of the fitness gyms – there’s one on every corner – or take a walk in the sand to the next level by climbing a mountain of it at [Sand Dune Park](https://www.californiabeaches.com/attraction/sand-dune-park/). 

With so much to offer visitors and residents, it's easy to plan your perfect day here. To see what locals get up to for fun in Manhattan Beach check out the [calendar of events](https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ca--manhattan-beach/events/). 

We highly recommend visiting Manhattan Beach and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.



Plan Your Perfect Day

Lifestyle of MB (they call it that)

While people of all ages and relationship statuses call MB home, there’s a reason you see so many parents pushing strollers on The Strand. The schools are unbelievably good. 

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District is one of the highest-ranked districts in the state. For public offerings, the community has five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. [Mira Costa High School](https://www.niche.com/k12/mira-costa-high-school-manhattan-beach-ca/) received an “A+” rating from Niche.com. Locals appreciate and value the impressive school system as much as the strong sense of community that it cultivates. 

With an award-winning and nationally recognized school district, you may not need to look elsewhere, but if private school is a priority for your family, there is a long list of similarly “A+” rated schools. [Vistamar School](https://www.vistamarschool.org/), [Bishop Montgomery High School](https://www.bmhs-la.org/), and [Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles](https://www.lyceela.org/) are all outstanding options within a reasonable driving distance.


Some of the Best in Cali

Schools 

There’s a reason people flock to visit and aspire to live in Manhattan Beach. They want to rest, relax, and just get away from it all – without giving up the perks of a high-end, city lifestyle. If you never want to leave this “bubble,” you don’t have to. This sense of exclusivity comes off to outsiders as trending a bit towards the uppity vibes of Beverly Hills, but those within the community appreciate that it's tight-knit and a bit separated from the outside world. If you want to live here, we’d suggest you get in now. Prices aren’t getting any cheaper!


Never Leave if You Don’t Want To

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

**_buttsnorkel**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

I’ve lived here for 27 years, and still live here (I’m 30 now)

It is one of the best cities in America. Utterly clean, modern, healthy, and usually pretty accepting (wasn’t always that way, and people who don’t live here still have an old/misinformed perspective)

It has become boujee af in recent years. Many people will say it’s always been like that, but it wasn’t this bad 20 years ago. Almost all the shops lining the pier and downtown are luxury/boutique shops. You will need a salary over $150,000 for things to be comfortable (contribute to retirement, not have roommates, save money, etc.).

That said, I grew up with Erik Karros as a baseball coach, Nomar Garciaparra as a friend, Luke Walton as an acquaintance, etc. There is lots to be excited about and experience. Cody Bellinger used to have breakfast at a place we frequent

It is one of the best cities in LA (County), but is ludicrously expensive. This genuinely can make it hard to be social within the city itself, as everything has such a high cost.

There is much history, with the invention of beach volleyball, Bruce’s Beach, the geenbelt, Metlox, etc.

Highly family-oriented and predicated on community. The services, sports leagues, schools, etc. are all top notch and attract other surrounding cities

It’s also one of the cleaner beaches around, with sand so nice that it was shipped to Hawaii to like their beaches

For more reviews of what living in Manhattan Beach is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/manhattan-beach/reviews).


Dollar, dollar, bills, y’all.

Reviews of Manhattan Beach from Locals

The Sand Section, as the name implies, has the easiest access to the beach and runs along the city’s 2-miles coastline. The lots are smaller and higher in cost, but many have ocean views. Including both the Downtown Manhattan Beach area and the city’s North End strip of shops and restaurants, plus two elementary schools, this area can be fairly dense. Within the Sand Section, running right along the water’s edge, is The Strand. This oceanfront area consists of a bike path, sidewalk, and the front row of houses. What these lots lack in privacy, they make up for in oceanside views.

The median home price in the San Section is $4.6m but Downtown does offer condos at more accessible prices and apartments for rentals if the $4m+ price tag ain't in your budget just yet. 


Families/DINKs/Young Professionals

The Sand Section (Including The Strand)

A good middle ground for growing families, homes in the Tree Section often offer four to five bedrooms and have backyards, offering a sense of more spaciousness than The Sand Section, but not quite as much space as East Manhattan. This quaint, small-town feeling neighborhood includes, you guessed it, tree-lined streets with names like Walnut, Pine, and Elm. One huge plus to the Tree Section is you border the Sand Section so you're still a short walk to the beach. The neighborhood also sidles up next to Sand Dune Park which means you and your kiddos get the dunes and the tons of recreation available in the park including tennis (and pickleball!!!), Aquatics, Summer Camps, Youth and Adult Sports Leagues and plenty of special events throughout the year. 

The median home price here is $3m+, which of course is crazy but that's much cheaper than neighborhoods like the Sand Section so important to keep that in mind if you're focused on Manhattan Beach. 




Families

The Tree Section

Much larger lot sizes, great schools and pretty parks with state-of-the-art playgrounds make East Manhattan the ideal place for families who are on the hunt in Manhattan Beach. Residents enjoy a bit more privacy and space from their neighbors than anywhere else in Manhattan Beach albeit sacrificing direct access to the beach as a result. 

It should be noted that the real estate community is working hard to rename East Manhattan as Manhattan Knolls. The new moniker fits as a result of the neighborhood being built on a series of rolling hills that give the neighborhood a more bucolic feel. When you combine the hills with the larger beautiful yards, great big parks like Polliwog (the biggest park in the area) you know families are going to embrace the open green spaces for the kids and doggos to play 

The community also gets the benefit of all the events and ongoing activities that happen at Polliwog Park, including the summer series of concerts, massive playground space, wonderful pond and tons of open green space for play. Median home prices in Manhattan Knolls are $2.7m, which shockingly makes it the least expensive neighborhood in the city. 

East Manhattan (Manhattan Knolls) 

Unwilling to choose between more space or a great view? Then the Hill Section is for you – if you can afford it. This area is the smallest district in the city but has some of the largest lots, biggest homes, widest streets and the highest prices. If you’re lucky, you just might find a panoramic view of the city, Pacific Island and even Catalina Island. It comes at a price as the median home price is north of $5.5m. 

Not shockingly this neighborhood is built on a hill (hence the views). If you're on the West side of the hill, you're looking at the Pacific every day. If you're on the North or East side you have beautiful views of Downtown Los Angeles. The majority of the Hill Section is a short walk to the restaurants and shops of Downtown so it really is silly how much this neighborhood has to offer between its convenience, stunning beauty and ridiculously large homes and yards. 

The Hill Section

[**Manhattan Village**](https://manhattanstrand.com/explore-manhattan-village-in-manhattan-beach-ca/ is the only gated community in the city. It also has a nice mix of what the community refers to as town and court homes as well as estate homes. The average list price across these different home types is ~$2.1m, which means the estate homes are pricey and the town and court homes are more within reach (sub $2m). 

In addition to the nicely designed community homes, you also get plenty of different pools and jacuzzis throughout the Village, a big playground, and living right next door to a big soccer field complex, the Westdrift Golf Course and the [**Manhattan Village Mall**](https://www.shopmanhattanvillage.com/). Pretty much everything you need is within walking distance.  

Families/Retirees

Manhattan Village

Manhattan Beach

**_buttsnorkel**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

I’ve lived here for 27 years, and still live here (I’m 30 now)

It is one of the best cities in America. Utterly clean, modern, healthy, and usually pretty accepting (wasn’t always that way, and people who don’t live here still have an old/misinformed perspective)

It has become boujee af in recent years. Many people will say it’s always been like that, but it wasn’t this bad 20 years ago. Almost all the shops lining the pier and downtown are luxury/boutique shops. You will need a salary over $150,000 for things to be comfortable (contribute to retirement, not have roommates, save money, etc.).

That said, I grew up with Erik Karros as a baseball coach, Nomar Garciaparra as a friend, Luke Walton as an acquaintance, etc. There is lots to be excited about and experience. Cody Bellinger used to have breakfast at a place we frequent

It is one of the best cities in LA (County), but is ludicrously expensive. This genuinely can make it hard to be social within the city itself, as everything has such a high cost.

There is much history, with the invention of beach volleyball, Bruce’s Beach, the geenbelt, Metlox, etc.

Highly family-oriented and predicated on community. The services, sports leagues, schools, etc. are all top notch and attract other surrounding cities

It’s also one of the cleaner beaches around, with sand so nice that it was shipped to Hawaii to like their beaches



**pamster05**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

15 years ago I bought a townhouse in Hawthorne, across the street from MB. Saved over 500k by not being in MB. MB is clean and safe with no homeless. Restaurants are great and diverse. Cost to buy/rent there is outrageous. There is also Hermosa and Redondo Beaches, which are also nice. My son used to rent in Hermosa and bought a cute little house in North Redondo. There are a lot of families. The pier in Hermosa is where the younger folks hang out. Depending where you are, there is something for everyone in the South Bay.

einsteinxx
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

North MB here (Porto)… mostly transplants here, with some multigenerational families living more towards the center part. If you like beach activities, this is the place. It’s common to see couples walking along the strand or at the beach past midnight, so safety isn’t a concern for the majority of the area. The residents run from super friendly to “get off my lawn” style, like every city. If you’re looking for a slower pace, that’s MB, which can be fine for most families. It runs a bit more conservative due to an older population, but that hasn’t been an issue. It doesn’t have all the glitz and culture like the rest of LA, but it’s okay to leave the bubble.

**Is Manhattan Beach Right Place To Live? The Pros and Cons You Must Know**

If Boujee and Beach Vibes Had a Kid

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado’s appeal is multilayered. Of course, there are the Rockies—snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and Instagrammable vistas—but beyond the obvious, the state reveals itself in its micro-regions and quirks.

Denver has grown into a full-fledged metro, attracting industries from aerospace to fintech. Neighborhoods like RiNo and Cap Hill pulse with murals, independent bookstores, and some of the best third-wave coffee west of the Mississippi. Yet, 20 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Golden, a once-sleepy brewery town now thriving with young families, hikers, and mountain bikers—all while still housing Coors’ giant facility.

Boulder, perched between rugged wilderness and intellectual ambition, is equal parts Patagonia fleece and startup pitch decks. It’s home to Naropa University (the country’s only accredited Buddhist-inspired school) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, reflecting the state’s unique mix of spiritual curiosity and scientific rigor.

To the north, Fort Collins flies a little under the radar but boasts Colorado State University, a jumping historic downtown, and enough breweries to rival cities twice its size. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs feels like a different state altogether—home to multiple military installations, it leans more conservative but surprises visitors with epic natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the quirky artist enclave Manitou Springs, where mineral springs bubble out of old-timey fountains.

Then there are the mountain towns that get less attention than Aspen or Vail:

- Salida: An artsy river town known for whitewater festivals and a historic downtown dotted with galleries.
- Paonia: Tucked on the Western Slope, it’s where organic farmers, artists, and winemakers coexist—a quieter, greener slice of Colorado.
- Crested Butte: A former mining town turned "wildflower capital of Colorado," still fiercely local despite its world-class skiing.
- Leadville: The highest-elevation incorporated city in the U.S., with Wild West vibes, antique shops, and a reputation for producing ultra-endurance athletes.

- Even Pueblo, long dismissed as a steel town, is experiencing a mini-renaissance—check out its green chile scene, which locals claim beats New Mexico’s any day.


**Lifestyle**

Colorado is all about the blend: high-intensity outdoor pursuits and laid-back social life. People measure days by powder totals or trail mileage, but they’re equally serious about craft beer, local music, and farm-to-table brunch.

There’s a statewide obsession with gear—ski racks are practically standard issue—and the unspoken dress code skews toward Patagonia puffer jackets, trail runners, and trucker hats. Even at upscale restaurants, you’ll find Gore-Tex mingling with linen.
Summer weekends revolve around farmers' markets, mountain festivals (like Telluride Bluegrass), and patio culture, where people sip IPAs while their dogs lounge nearby. Yes, 
Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country—don’t be surprised to see pups on brewery patios, hiking trails, and even paddleboards.

The weed industry is fully mainstream here—legal since 2012, dispensaries now sit next to yoga studios, and CBD drinks are common on menus. Despite the outdoor glamour, winters can drag, especially along the Front Range, where weeks of “brown season” (dry, gray winter days) test your patience if you’re not skiing every weekend.


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Outdoor Diehards: Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and trail runners all build their lives around nature’s calendar.

- Remote Workers: Many are now settling in places like Buena Vista, Pagosa Springs, or Ouray for mountain views and coworking spaces that offer reliable fiber internet.

- Young Professionals: Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins attract college graduates seeking startup jobs in tech and a social scene that is outdoorsy and active.

- Families: Suburban areas such as Louisville, Superior, and Castle Rock provide excellent schools, greenbelts, and proximity to both the city and the mountains.

- Military & Veterans: Particularly in Colorado Springs, where military bases and VA services have a significant presence.

- Artists, Creatives, and Off-Gridders: These individuals are moving to smaller towns like Paonia, Crestone (known for its spiritual retreats), and Trinidad, where former mining towns are being transformed into vibrant art communities.

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

- Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and dozens of military installations fuel this sector.

- Tech & Startups: Boulder leads, but Denver is fast catching up with expansions from Google, Amazon, and a strong venture capital scene.

- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and countless health-tech startups.

- Outdoor Rec & Tourism: A massive industry—from ski resorts to bike gear startups like Yeti Cycles.

- Renewable Energy & Green Tech: Solar farms, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure are booming, especially east of Denver.

- Craft Beer & Cannabis: Both industries are major employers and cultural forces. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival draws thousands annually.

The work culture here is serious about productivity but just as serious about play. Flex hours are common—so is the “Friday early out” to chase powder or head to the hills. People here don’t brag about work hours—they brag about the number of 14ers climbed.

**Why Move Here Now?**

Colorado’s mix of economic opportunity and lifestyle remains hard to beat, but the secret’s long been out. Housing costs—especially in Denver, Boulder, and mountain towns—are steep. Still, the “live where you vacation” dream is possible, especially if you’re strategic about location.

Remote work has made previously overlooked places—think Montrose, Rifle, or Florence—more appealing. These towns offer affordability, mountain access, and emerging arts scenes without the crowds or costs of Summit County.
Meanwhile, climate-conscious infrastructure investments and Colorado’s renewable energy push are attracting a new wave of green tech talent. If you’re looking for a place where your weekends feel like a vacation, your weekdays pay the bills, and your backyard is the view—Colorado still delivers.

Just be ready for the quirks: expect your weather app to lie, brace for spring hailstorms, and know that people here take their green chile—and their Broncos—very seriously.

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Virginia offers a little bit of everything—beaches, busy cities, historic towns, mountain views, and adventures for the outdoorsy types.  Families can find charming colonial neighborhoods to settle in or a tech-driven suburb, and young professionals (or families) will find cities known for culture and lifestyle (tons of breweries) —and none of it feels out of place.

Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax get a lot of attention for their young professional scene, government jobs (shaky right now but still), and shiny high-rises. But head west, and things shift—Charlottesville, Richmond, and Roanoke are growing fast, thanks to lower housing costs, beautiful scenery, and thriving food and arts communities.
And yes, Virginia’s got beaches. Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle while still keeping you within driving distance of larger cities.
Lifestyle 

Virginia balances history and modern life better than most. There are amazing historic landmarks and battlefield tours, but it’s also a growing tech hub, home to a solid craft beer scene, and packed with outdoor activities—from hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay.

Public schools, especially in Northern Virginia, are notably strong, with Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ)  in Alexandria frequently rated the #1 public high school in the country. You get four distinct seasons, plenty of small-town festivals, and easy access to both mountains and beaches. Outdoor lovers will feel right at home.


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

- Families: Especially to Northern Virginia and Richmond suburbs for the schools, safety, and space.

- Young professionals: Drawn to government (prepare for this to change), tech, and consulting jobs in DC-adjacent areas like Arlington and Alexandria.

- Retirees and second-home buyers: Looking for less expensive mountain views or coastal living.

- Military families: With large bases in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Quantico.


**Worklife**

Virginia has a strong job market with several major industries driving growth:

- Government and defense: Big in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads although federal jobs are disappearing. 

- Tech and data centers: Amazon HQ2 in Arlington and Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley”

- Healthcare and education: UVA, VCU, and major hospital networks

- Tourism, shipping, and military: Especially along the coast

The state consistently ranks as one of the best for business. Salaries are strong, especially near DC, though the cost of living is higher there too. Farther south or west, your money goes a lot further.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Virginia is hitting a good stride—a strong economy, a cultural boost in mid-sized cities, and more opportunities popping up beyond the DC suburbs. If you want East Coast energy without New York or Boston prices, Virginia’s a great option.
There’s a lot to like: solid job prospects, a wide range of places to live, and easy access to nature. Remote workers are starting to notice cities like Charlottesville and Richmond for their charm and affordability. And if you’re in tech, Amazon’s expansion means even more jobs on the horizon.

Bottom Line: Move for the jobs, stay for the mountain views, farmers markets, and the fact that you can hike on Saturday and hit the beach on Sunday. Virginia’s got space for you


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, driven by a combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a more reasonable cost of living than many large metro areas on the East Coast. For people looking to bail on expensive cities like New York, Boston, or D.C., North Carolina’s growing mid-sized cities hit a sweet spot—offering urban energy without the overwhelming cost or scale.

Charlotte and Raleigh remain the fastest-growing hubs, but what’s fueling the state’s appeal are cities like Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. These places have seen significant investment in arts, culture, and local businesses, creating vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Wilmington, with its historic riverfront and proximity to beaches, adds a coastal option with similar momentum.

North Carolina offers a blend of lifestyles—from dense city cores to suburban communities and small mountain or coastal towns—all within a state that delivers four distinct seasons and easy access to both the Atlantic and the Appalachians.

**Lifestyle** 

Living in North Carolina means having access to almost every kind of landscape and lifestyle you can imagine. The mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge and Smokies, draw hikers, climbers, and people looking for small-town life with incredible scenery. Asheville anchors the region with a nationally recognized food scene, music venues, craft breweries, and a progressive arts community—all surrounded by nature.
Along the coast, places like Wilmington, New Bern, and the Outer Banks offer a completely different pace of life—historic charm, beach towns, and maritime culture.

In between, North Carolina’s mid-sized cities have grown into dynamic cultural hubs. Durham, once defined by tobacco warehouses, is now a food, music, and startup center, balancing grit and growth. Greensboro and Winston-Salem have embraced their history while building arts districts, indie music venues, and foodie scenes that attract newcomers looking for quality of life without the price tag of bigger cities.
Outdoor recreation is baked into the lifestyle—weekends are often spent hiking, kayaking, hitting the coast, or exploring dozens of state parks. Meanwhile, urban centers keep adding restaurants, music festivals, museums, and farmers markets that make daily life feel rich and varied.

Housing costs have risen, particularly in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, but remain notably more reasonable compared to cities like D.C., New York, or Boston. Mid-sized cities and suburbs still offer affordable homeownership options, which continues to draw families, young professionals, and retirees.


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

Young professionals and remote workers: The combination of job opportunities and lifestyle has put places like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte on the map. Increasingly, mid-sized cities like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville are drawing remote workers who want cultural amenities without the high price tag.

- Families: Good schools, growing suburbs, and attainable home prices make North Carolina a top choice for families leaving higher-cost states. Suburban areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, like Cary or Huntersville, are growing fast.

- Retirees: North Carolina is a retirement destination—particularly western towns like Asheville, Hendersonville, and Boone, or coastal towns like New Bern and Southport, where people are drawn to the mild climate and slower pace of life.

- Tech, biotech, and finance workers: Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle remains a major driver of growth, along with Charlotte’s powerhouse banking sector. Mid-sized cities are seeing a ripple effect as people seek affordability near these job centers.


**Worklife** 

North Carolina’s economy is diverse, which has helped it stay resilient and attractive to new residents:

- Tech, biotech, and healthcare: The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is home to major universities, research parks, and a growing number of startups and tech companies. This area competes nationally for talent.

- Finance and banking: Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., home to Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo, Truist, and others.

- Education: With strong public universities and private colleges, education remains a huge employer, feeding into the region’s research and innovation economy.

- Tourism, arts, and service industries: The mountains and coast pull in millions of visitors each year, supporting a growing tourism economy that fuels restaurants, shops, and creative industries in cities and small towns alike.

- Remote work is also changing the landscape, as people relocate from expensive markets to cities like Asheville or Wilmington, seeking a better work-life balance without sacrificing culture or community.


**Why Move Here Now?**

North Carolina is in that rare window of growth where the state feels exciting but still livable. While housing costs are rising, they remain manageable compared to the Northeast or West Coast. Newcomers are often surprised at how much house—or quality of life—they can afford here.

The job market is strong, especially in tech, biotech, finance, and education, and there’s momentum in the arts, food, and cultural scenes, particularly in mid-sized cities that still feel accessible.

If you’re looking for a place that offers career opportunities, space to explore, and a more affordable cost of living—all without sacrificing culture—North Carolina’s cities, especially its rising mid-sized ones, are worth a serious look.


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Maryland might be one of the smallest states by land area, but it feels expansive in the variety of places, landscapes, and cultures you’ll find here. Locals sometimes call it “America in Miniature”—and it fits. Within a few hours, you can go from the crab houses and maritime history of the Eastern Shore to the rolling farmland and horse country of Howard and Carroll counties, then up into the Appalachian foothills in Western Maryland.

Baltimore—gritty, beautiful, and still deeply local—anchors the state with its historic brick row houses, growing arts scene, and a complicated but evolving identity. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the indie shops and music venues in Hampden. Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland draw researchers, students, and healthcare workers, while the Port of Baltimore keeps the city tied to global trade.

The DC suburbs—places like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and College Park—are among the most diverse in the country. They’re fast-paced, career-driven, and home to major employers in tech, healthcare, defense, and international policy. Montgomery County consistently ranks high for public school systems, while Prince George’s County—once overlooked—is booming with development and homeownership among Black professionals.

Then there’s the Chesapeake Bay—arguably Maryland’s emotional center. Fishing villages, waterfront towns, and a deep-rooted culture of crabbing and boating shape life here. In places like St. Michaels or Solomons, watermen traditions meet weekenders from DC.


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

- Outdoors: Summers bring locals out for blue crab feasts, sailing regattas, and Eastern Shore beaches like Ocean City or Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam. Hikers find solace in the Catoctin Mountains or the Maryland stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In the fall, leaf-peeping in western Maryland rivals New England.

- Suburban Professional: Many Marylanders are commuters, with highways like I-270 and the Capital Beltway packed every weekday. Work-life here often revolves around careers in government contracting, federal agencies, or research labs.

- Cultural: Baltimore punches above its weight in music, art, and food. It's home to quirky traditions like the annual HonFest, while the nearby suburbs offer concert venues, museums, and some of the country's best public libraries.

- Education-Focused: With several nationally ranked school districts, plus colleges like UMD College Park, Loyola, and St. John’s in Annapolis, education drives many families’ choices.

The cost of living is high in the DC metro area—Montgomery County and Howard County are expensive but offer great schools and amenities. Meanwhile, Baltimore City and parts of the Eastern Shore remain relatively affordable, though income disparities can be stark.


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

- Government and Defense Professionals: With NSA, NIH, and countless government contractors, Maryland is a hub for federal careers.

- Healthcare and Biotech Workers: The state’s economy is built around giants like Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System, and a growing biotech corridor around Gaithersburg and Rockville.

- Families: Strong school systems, safe suburbs, and access to both urban and rural life make it a prime target for families.

- Nature and Water Lovers: The Bay, mountains, and access to the Atlantic draw people who don’t want to choose between city life and nature.


**Worklife**

Maryland boasts some of the highest median incomes in the country, but it comes with a cost. Key industries include:

- Government, Defense, and Cybersecurity (Fort Meade, NSA, countless Beltway contractors)

- Healthcare and Life Sciences (Johns Hopkins, NIH, biotech firms in the I-270 corridor)

- Port and Shipping (Baltimore’s port is one of the busiest on the East Coast)

- Education (Universities, research centers, and public school systems)

Maryland’s job market tends to be resilient especially near D.C.—especially in recession-proof industries like healthcare, science, and in prior administrations, federal government work. High wages can offset higher living costs, particularly in areas like Montgomery County.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Baltimore is changing -- neighborhood revitalization, a growing arts scene, and affordable historic homes make it a city to invest in. The DMV’s tech and biotech boom means Maryland’s share of the tech and life sciences boom is growing fast, especially in Montgomery County and the suburbs along I-270.

Waterfront and small-town charm aplenty, with coastal towns offering an escape that feels worlds away from DC but still within reach for weekends or remote work. Finally, access without total commitment: Maryland lets you plug into DC’s energy, Baltimore’s grit, or nature’s calm—all without fully committing to just one lifestyle.


Maryland

Washington is not what most people around the country think if their view is based solely on the Emerald City. You’ve got Seattle, yes — the tech hub with glassy towers, expensive lattes, and endless cranes reshaping the skyline. But Washington’s story is bigger and weirder than that.

Head east and you hit the Cascades, where towns like Leavenworth lean hard into their Bavarian cosplay — full-on Alpine architecture and Christmas markets, even in summer. Cross those mountains and the state turns dry, golden, and wide open — apple orchards, hops fields, and wine country roll through the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. It’s a different state over there, one that cares more about rodeos and crop yields than whatever Seattle’s latest zoning fight is about.

There’s also the pocket-sized, artsy cities people don’t talk about enough — Bellingham, tucked up near the Canadian border with its crunchy, outdoorsy vibe and a local ski hill just 30 minutes up the road; Olympia, the capital, where the punk music scene still has a pulse and the farmers market is the real social center; and Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town known for wooden boat festivals and a whole lot of ghost stories.

What keeps people here is the geography — Puget Sound, the Olympics, Mount Rainier looming massive. There’s a certain stubborn pride about how many people own a kayak and know how to dig their clams. You don’t have to go far to find someone who will try to convince you their corner of Washington is the best — whether that’s a foggy coastal town, a moss-draped mountain pass, or a sunny plateau east of the mountains. And honestly, they’re all kind of right.



**Lifestyle** 

Living here means you learn to live with the weather — or love it. Western Washington’s gray season lasts months, but the long, golden summer days make up for it. The east side flips the script — hot, dry summers and winters that mean snow.

People are big on the outdoors, but not in a performative way. It's less Instagram hiking and more “this is just what we do.” Mountain biking in the Cascades, skiing at Stevens Pass, trail running in the Issaquah Alps, or mushroom hunting when the rains come — the connection to nature runs deep.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here — it’s baked in. You’ll see people line up to return compost buckets at the farmers market or debate which salmon run needs protecting. There’s a hyper-local food scene, from oyster farms like Hama Hama to foraged nettles making their way into restaurant menus.

Housing is a mixed bag. Seattle and the Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) are expensive, with median home prices well above $900k. But smaller cities like Spokane or the Tri-Cities offer more space and sunshine without completely unplugging you from the economy.



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Tech folks chasing jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and the sprawl of startups. The Eastside suburbs — Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish — are full of transplants figuring out the PNW way.

- Families looking for good schools, parks, and the rare suburban neighborhood where you can still walk to a coffee shop (Issaquah and North Bend, looking at you).

- Outdoor types — climbers, paddlers, skiers — folks who want a job and mountains in their backyard. Bellingham and Wenatchee both punch above their weight for this crowd.

- Healthcare and education workers — UW, WSU, major hospital systems, and growing biotech hubs keep the state anchored beyond tech.

- And increasingly, people just looking for a lifestyle shift — artists, remote workers, folks burned out on California or Texas sprawl — are finding their way here.



**Worklife**

The job market stays solid, especially if you’re in:

- Tech: Seattle’s core, Bellevue’s new skyscrapers, and a growing remote scene

- Aerospace: Boeing’s still big, even if quieter than it once was

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

- Agriculture: apples, cherries, hops, and wine rule Eastern Washington

- Shipping and trade: major ports in Seattle and Tacoma keep global goods moving

The interesting thing is how the economy balances — world-class tech and scrappy farming towns coexist, sometimes uneasily, but it works.



**Why Move Here Now?**

Washington’s still growing, but in ways that give you choices. Yes, Seattle’s pricey, but places like Spokane, Bellingham, and even Bremerton are growing fast without feeling like polished suburbs yet. The access to nature is unbeatable, but what might surprise people is how distinct each region feels.
You could live where you’re skiing before work, or where you’re sipping wine on your porch at sunset. You could be downtown for an Amazon meeting or out in the San Juans watching orcas. Washington has range — that’s the real sell.


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Manhattan Beach, California

If Boujee and Beach Vibes Had a Kid

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